Okay, so its not patented. And yeah, we basically threw together some bits and bobs we'd heard from Jamie Oliver and read off the net. But we can guarentee that THIS recipe will give you a lot of laughs and keep you cozy and sweet leading up to Christmas (and possibly afterwards too!)
Owl and Panda came up with this recipe last year (2011). Both single and and nursing the wounds of broken hearts, we spent a lot of time together around Xmas, watching films in Owl's cozy living room, chatting about our lives and generally enjoying each other's company. This recipe means a lot to us, we hope you can enjoy the benefits too.
Before you continue, you should know, when it comes to cooking, Owl and Panda truly believe it is an art (unlike baking, which Panda will attest is a true science!) Therefore, no real measurements are given. Add everything to taste and don't burn it- that's all the advice we can give!
All you need is...
- A cheapish bottle of red wine
- A couple of sliced Lemons
- A Sliced Orange
- Golden caster sugar
- Cloves
- Star Anise
- Cinammon Sticks
- A large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Your best mate (makes it even nicer!)
A word on the wine- don't put too much thought into which one to buy. Panda tends to go for ones that don't smell like vinegar >.< ! It doesn't have to be an expensive one, we have found it doesn't really make much of a difference either way.
- Pour red wine into a large pot on a medium heat.
- Slice up your lemons and orange, add to the pot.
- Break the star anise up, crack the cinnamon sticks and throw them into the pot. Add some cloves.
- Add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. stir, let it settle and taste. The mixture should be warm and sweet, but add sugar until you're content.
- Turn heat down and allow to simmer. You're home will begin to smell like Christmas!
- Pour heated wine through a sieve into a jug, then pour into a mug/glass/goblet or chalice to drink out of.
If you're anything like Panda, you will enjoy drinking this out of your favourite mug (in her case, Owl's honeypot mug!). Owl prefers to drink hers out of an oversized wine glass that is more like a goblet!
Enjoy the aroma of Christmas!
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